5/24/12: Poloncarz Honors First Responders, Proclaims "EMS Week"

Modified: January 22, 2015 1:12pm

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Date:

5/24/12

County Executive is joined by Health Commissioner Burstein in recognizing EMS accomplishments

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today at the Erie County Emergency Services Training and Operations Center in Cheektowaga, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein, members of the Erie County Emergency Medical Services department and emergency medical service providers from around the County in proclaiming “EMS Week” in Erie County. A national observance, this 39th annual EMS week runs from May 20-26, 2012 and honors the thousands of EMS practitioners serving communities across the country.

“The members of emergency medical service teams are ready, around the clock, to provide lifesaving care to those in need,” said Poloncarz. “Their efforts can mean the difference between life and death, and their hard work, sacrifice and commitment to our community are invaluable. They perform a difficult but vital public service, often with little recognition, and should be commended for the work they do.”

National EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services. This year’s theme is “EMS: More Than a Job, a Calling”. EMS personnel include emergency physicians, nurses, medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, and others; working as a team, providers deliver medical care wherever it’s needed.

“While we celebrate the men and women of Emergency medical Services this week, let us not forget that EMS workers are on the job 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Burstein. “As Erie County’s first line of emergency medical response, the health of our community depends on EMS.”